Bennington High School’s new “Greenhouse Project,” funded by a Classroom Grant awarded last fall, will soon be sparking students’ interest in sustainability and science. Led by Family and Consumer Science (FCS) teacher Mallory Baker and recently retired STS teacher Tom Schumacher, the project includes two lean-to greenhouses that provide an outdoor classroom for immersive learning in agriculture, biology, and environmental science.
“This project was inspired by previous grant-funded initiatives like indoor grow towers, which allowed students to grow plants in the classroom.” said Baker, “The new greenhouses will build on this success, enabling students to connect classroom lessons on plant biology, ecology, and sustainable food systems with real-life applications.”
With the greenhouses now assembled by BHS’s Building Construction class, the project is set to kick off as winter temperatures are monitored, with planting scheduled as soon as conditions allow. The greenhouses will serve multiple cross-curriculum purposes:
- Weather Studies: Hands-on experiences with local climate impact on plant growth
- Science Curriculum Integration: Real-life lessons in plant biology, ecology, and environmental science
- Sustainable Agriculture: Insights into sustainable food systems and food insecurity providing an outdoor setting to grow ingredients for culinary labs.
- Entrepreneurial Skills: Potential community plant sales, offering students a look into managing costs and promotion
This innovative project promises a lasting impact, empowering a wide variety of students with responsibility, real-world science, and community connection—each aligning with the BPS Foundation’s mission to enrich learning for all students.
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